Jocelyn Allen‘s work is full of self-portraiture, but in 2015 she realized how much anxiety presented in her work as well as her life as a whole. She began pushing herself out of her comfort zone, heading outdoors into the unpredictable rather than staying in her studio. In Neblina Allen faced her fears and jotted down notes while doing so, which lead to the names of each piece. Lastly she doodled colorful patterns on each one as a means of relaxation, as well as a way to channel all of her anxieties.
This year I’ve found myself in a gigantic creative rut that I’m constantly trying to dig myself out of. My Instagram quote series helps some, photoshoots can be creative, but sometimes the only way out is to learn something new. Just the idea of that can be overwhelming, but what if someone broke it down for you? Maybe they put together an easy online class that you can watch as many times as you need and the entire thing is affordable?
Well, that’s just what Brit + Co has done with 67 different skills, from succulent gardening to digitizing artwork and 65 things in between. New classes are being released all the time and a few are even free!
Five of you have the chance to win two classes each, right here, right now. Maybe you want to pick up your DSLR camera and know what you’re doing or maybe you want to pass them on to your mom or an upcoming graduate. Read on to check out my favorite classes and enter the giveaway below!
Calligraphy 101
Calligraphy extraordinaire Lauren Essl covers all the need-to-know basics of pointed pen calligraphy. During the class, she’ll walk you through everything from your basic supply list to the right way to dip your pen. She’ll also take you step-by-step through basic script technique for numbers, uppercase, and lowercase letters. Not only will you walk away with beautiful hand-lettered greeting cards to share with your friends, you’ll also get alphabet templates, grids, and practice sheets.
Phone Photography Basics
Learn how to expertly shoot and edit photos while on the move! Using just your smartphone, you’ll learn how to capture beautiful photos on any occasion. With pro editing tips and a few styling tricks, you’re going to own the Instagram game. How? You’ll learn how to setup the trendy flat lay shot, find and shoot in natural light and make photos pop with in-app filters.
Intro to Adobe Photoshop
In this class, you’ll learn how to create eye-catching photos and layouts like a pro with graphic designer Teela Cunningham. Her class is an awesome confidence booster when it comes to learning the ins and outs of the Adobe Photoshop interface. You’ll walk away from the class equipped with the skills to create photos and graphics that can be used on social media, a blog or as a personalized gift.
Bounce Lettering Basics
Brittany Luiz is going to teach you a unique style of brush pen lettering called bounce lettering. It’s a technique that adds more style and character to your lettering designs. And don’t worry if your handwriting isn’t that great because lettering is more than learning how to draw letters. It’s really about learning the strokes and how to apply the right pressure to your brush pen.
Intro to DSLR Photography
This class is perfect for those who have invested in a fancy camera but haven’t learned how to use it yet. Jenna will teach you the ins and outs of your DSLR camera, from exposure settings, shooting in auto and manual, and what various lenses should be used for. Finally, she’ll walk you through setting up the best conditions for your very own photoshoot.
Digitize Artwork in Adobe Illustrator
In this course, you’ll learn how to turn quick ink illustrations into versatile digital files that you can use as fun and colorful wallpapers for your desktop and phone. You’ll leave the class with two digital wallpapers to call your own. Plus, you’ll get access to four additional designs that you can use for practice. Think of all the art prints, textiles, stationery and wallpaper you can create!
Sarah K. Benning is a fiber artist who splits her time between the United States and Spain. It wasn’t until after graduating college that she realized her love for embroidery and turned it into a career, however. All bets are off as Sarah creates, picturing each piece as an illustration and often abandoning traditional stitches and techniques in favor of creating textile art that’s vibrant and fresh.
1/ Tea Tree Oil
I’ve been using this stuff in multiples ways, including in my diffuser and on blemishes.
2/ PureAir 50
This little plug-in ionic air purifier is amazing. It cleans 350 sq. ft. of air by removing odors and reducing bacteria and viruses with activated oxygen. I have mine next to the cats’ litter box – the danger zone! – and noticed a total elimination of smell within about 15 minutes. It emits a kind of white noise sound when turned on, but I quickly got used to it.
3/ Lamb’s Ear
After years of admiration, I added one of these perennials to my porch collection. I’m hoping to keep it in a pot rather than have to plant it in the ground, but only time will tell how the plant tolerates it.
4/ Froozer Blue Aloha
These super natural treats are basically a frozen smoothie in a tube. They’re super tasty with only 35 calories and 9 carbs, which is a necessity for snacks with this type 2 diabetic.
5/ Common Goods Lavender Linen Water
I’ve been using this on my bedsheets for a few years now, I’m a real sucker for anything lavender scented as you may have noticed. This linen water is scented with 100% pure essential oil, is plant based, and biodegradable.
6/ Function of Beauty
Everyone’s been chattering about this line of shampoos and conditioners can that be personalized to your hair’s specific needs, and I’m here to report that the hype is 100% true! I love it and may never use another brand ever again. (Grab $5 off your order here.)
7/Round Taper Planters
This spring I had to replace the large bamboo planters I’ve used for the past several years due to normal wear and tear. I wanted something simple and affordable that would complement my new black shutters and came across these fade and weather resistant ones at Target. They’re available in four colors and seven sizes! (I also have four of the 6-inch ones indoors)
8/ Vineyard Hill Naturals Cardamom & Fig Candle
You might think this scent sounds a bit heavy for spring, but it’s quite the opposite. And the soy-based candle’s jar is one I’ll definitely be reusing with that Greek key pattern.
9/ Spruce Cleaning Wipes
I’m kind of the worst at keeping my electronics clean, and these little wipes are a fun reminder (those faces!) to wipe everything down – they’re also great for your eyeglasses. Made in the USA, free of harsh chemicals like alcohol and ammonia, and vegan.
Maine-based artist Hannah Secord Wade creates luscious oil and acrylic paintings that are piles of… stuff. All sorts of things. But to me Wade’s Everything All Together series also resemble ice cream sundaes with multiple toppings, compost heaps from the kitchen, and tropical mountains.
While you’ll never convince me that a smoothie bowl is anything other than an excuse to eat your drink with a spoon, I’ll happily admit that they offer up some high quality visual appeal when done right. What’s more, if they get you to eat more fruits and vegetables than usual who am I to judge the method of transport. These beautiful concoctions have caught my eye and now I’m wondering – do you subscribe to the smoothie bowl trend? Have a favorite recipe?
Click on each image to go to the recipe. All photos copyright of their respective sites unless otherwise noted.
You guys, I have warm weather on my mind in a big way. Yesterday I moved half of my indoor plants outside (onto my covered front porch in case of a late frost) and bought two peony roots to plant. Annika Von Hausswolff‘s photography makes me think of junior high summers, hanging out at the public pool with my best friend, listening to Top 40 music, and gossiping about boys. All good things.
There are three pieces of decor I switch up for spring and fall – bedding, rugs, and pillows. These are pieces that are easy to swap out to freshen up the feel of your home, as well as ones that don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m not running out twice a year to purchase new ones, rather just bringing them out of the guest room’s closet.) I tend to stick with a lot of neutrals so the switch may not be noticeable to anyone else, but even just a change in pattern makes me happy!
Landscapes, nature, memories, identity, and place. All influence the large- and small-scale ceramic shard sculptures and installations created by Zemer Peled. Is it just me or are you dying to hold one in your hands, too?
